Comments - "This is a Dictatorship, not a Democracy".. Ugh! - Automotive Digital Marketing2018-05-24T17:23:33Zhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/comment/feed?attachedTo=1970539%3ABlogPost%3A516721&xn_auth=noRalph, while I'm sure the ton…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-11:1970539:Comment:5183592014-02-11T06:30:02.343ZTimothy Martellhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TimothyMartell
<p>Ralph, while I'm sure the tone of your response to my post is great for getting attention on Facebook, it is writhe with all the out of context political spin of an MSNBC newscast. You suggest that my assertion singles out only bad dealer management style and further assume (WOW really? BIG MISTAKE) that my own experience in retail is the basis for my post - WRONG.</p>
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<p>My assertion was that a worst case scenario would end in disgust, but a best case scenario would lead them to…</p>
<p>Ralph, while I'm sure the tone of your response to my post is great for getting attention on Facebook, it is writhe with all the out of context political spin of an MSNBC newscast. You suggest that my assertion singles out only bad dealer management style and further assume (WOW really? BIG MISTAKE) that my own experience in retail is the basis for my post - WRONG.</p>
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<p>My assertion was that a worst case scenario would end in disgust, but a best case scenario would lead them to ultimately leave the retail space as EVERYONE (except Brian) on this thread has done! The simple truth is that the vendor world offers far more upside and a much higher ceiling than does auto retail. Thats not an opinion, its a fact. Compare and contrast the percentage of vendor billionaires to auto retail billionaires. Game, set, match my friend.</p>
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<p>Based on Tom's assertion about the future billionaires, I don't see auto-retail as a first choice for someone with such lofty goals. I never said it was a bad profession, merely that a vehicle that offers a general cap of 300k-500k is not the place a future billionaire looks to find his opportunity for success regardless of an old boys network or the most progressive leadership offered. Lastly, Ralph, there are over 20,000 dealers in the USA, your anecdotes about 1,000 dealers you've worked with in no way represent any meaningful data about what is or is not prevalent. And I would be shocked if you are honestly asserting that each of those 1,000 dealers consisted of progressive thought leaders exhibiting no stereotypical or bad habits.</p>
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<p>Perhaps you shouldn't skim particularly if you are going to denigrate someone's family legacy and approach to business... truly poor form Mr. Paglia. </p> The banter has been good...an…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-10:1970539:Comment:5183442014-02-10T23:57:10.720ZTom Vannhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomVann
<p>The banter has been good...and Ralph's latest post is a reality "Sledgehammer" ~ Awesome!</p>
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<p>Here's the quickest path to the VSM FREE SALES TRAINING site...</p>
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<p><a href="http://tomvann.kajabi.com/sp/9621-vsm-free-video-training-series" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click Right Here :-)</a> </p>
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<p>Cheers!</p>
<p>The banter has been good...and Ralph's latest post is a reality "Sledgehammer" ~ Awesome!</p>
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<p>Here's the quickest path to the VSM FREE SALES TRAINING site...</p>
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<p><a href="http://tomvann.kajabi.com/sp/9621-vsm-free-video-training-series" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Click Right Here :-)</a> </p>
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<p>Cheers!</p> In regards to Timothy Martell…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-10:1970539:Comment:5183372014-02-10T17:54:28.675ZRalph Pagliahttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/RalphPaglia
In regards to Timothy Martell's last comment; I disagree with Tim's assertion that America's best and brightest will inevitably either not be attracted to the car biz, or if they get a job in a dealership will soon leave in disgust. I've been privileged enough to have worked in well over 1,000 dealership facilities across North America over the past 33 years, thanks to my years as a consultant and trainer, so my perspective is based on a fairly good sample size. I agree with Tim that there are…
In regards to Timothy Martell's last comment; I disagree with Tim's assertion that America's best and brightest will inevitably either not be attracted to the car biz, or if they get a job in a dealership will soon leave in disgust. I've been privileged enough to have worked in well over 1,000 dealership facilities across North America over the past 33 years, thanks to my years as a consultant and trainer, so my perspective is based on a fairly good sample size. I agree with Tim that there are dealerships where what he describes could, and would occur... However, not only are there many dealerships where America's best and brightest could thrive and be the platform from which their success is launched, there are dealerships where the culture and leadership is so conducive to entrepreneurial spirit and creating value that the opposite effect occurs... I know this to be true because I have witnessed these great dealerships on a first hand basis. There are too many great dealerships which have the opposite effect on their new hires than what Tim describes to list them all, but let me mention just a few of them:<br />
Rick Case Honda in FL<br />
Ken Grody Ford in CA<br />
Ancira Auto Group in TX<br />
West-Herr Auto Group in NY<br />
Cavendar Toyota in TX<br />
Melloy Nissan in NM<br />
Power Ford in NM<br />
World Hyundai of Matteson, IL<br />
Germaine Auto Group of OH, FL, AR<br />
Courtesy Chevrolet in AZ<br />
Findlay Auto Group in NV<br />
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As I stated, there are many more of these types of dealerships and organizations than the few I listed off the top of my head, where people that are not normally attracted to the car business manage to get themselves hired, and then thrive at a level where their success stories are launched and they become highly successful in either the auto industry or something connected to the car biz. I have seen and participated in far too many powerful success stories that originated in America's car dealerships to accept what Tim describes as being the prevalent situation... I've hired college students at my dealership who went on the become senior executives at car companies and successful entrepreneurs, such as the creator of Mazda's Retail Revolution and several successful authors and well known auto industry speakers... I have seen on a first hand basis where young people come on board with a dealership that has such a dynamic and positive culture that there entire outlook on careers in the auto industry changes to the positive and they go on to become inspirational success stories of their own...<br />
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I know the auto industry has a lot of room for improvement, as Tom Vann certainly describes well, but for Tim to believe that his own first hand experience working in a dealer group run by his father is either typical or the predominant dealership culture is simply unrealistic. I have seen too many opposite types of dealership environments and work places to accept a wholesale conclusion that all dealerships suck! I have seen too many incredibly powerful, upbeat, inspirational and personally rewarding places to work that also happened to be a car dealership, to accept that this positive impact cannot become more widespread or even the prevalent American dealership work place environment... So, let me just say that for every dealership that is run like a dictatorship or Siberian Labor Camp, there is another where employees thrive, create value and self fulfillment and go on to reach their own success potential. I believe in this enough to have recruited my own family members into the car business and not regretted doing so... I also see people like myself, Danny Alkassmi, Richard Bustillo, Tom Vann, Kurt Maletych, Joe Webb, Eric Nichols and yes, even Tim Martell along with hundreds of others who have grown up in the car biz and become success stories in their own right.<br />
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So, lest we toss the baby out with the bath water, let's recognize what a great business we are in and committ ourselves to amplifying and spreading what we do right at the same time in which we self criticize and reach for making our industry a better place to work and reach professional fulfillment. Hey Brian! I KNEW I should h…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-10:1970539:Comment:5183162014-02-10T13:36:08.958ZTom Vannhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomVann
<p>Hey Brian! I KNEW I should have just said "T. Rex" or the "Spiders from Mars"! :-)</p>
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<p>I really DIG the conversations surrounding this POST!</p>
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<p>I probably should have highlighted the paragraph when I mentioned that younger generations <strong>"perceive themselves to have far more choices..."</strong> Self-perception is often-times different than the truths of others. Fair enough?</p>
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<p>The magic (and mystery) of Coaching, Training, and Mentorship is that it…</p>
<p>Hey Brian! I KNEW I should have just said "T. Rex" or the "Spiders from Mars"! :-)</p>
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<p>I really DIG the conversations surrounding this POST!</p>
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<p>I probably should have highlighted the paragraph when I mentioned that younger generations <strong>"perceive themselves to have far more choices..."</strong> Self-perception is often-times different than the truths of others. Fair enough?</p>
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<p>The magic (and mystery) of Coaching, Training, and Mentorship is that it forces the leader to <strong>scrap his/her own agenda</strong> and focus more on the targets, objectives, and goals of the individual. The POSSIBILITIES of personal success grow geometrically when people have clarity on how their targets/goals become PROBABILITIES ...and it doesn't work when trying to beat it into their heads.</p>
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<p>We're on the same page (heck, writing the same book) when it comes to how younger generations perceive themselves and their lives the way they do. Whether we're right or wrong, they are who they're determined to be!</p>
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<p>WE will succeed and achieve FAR greater results for our businesses and ourselves when becoming the coaches/trainers/mentors of these YOUNGER FOLKS, as opposed holding on to the dictatorial management methods based on control, threat, and fear.</p>
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<p>As far as the "BRILLIANTS" being attracted to Auto Retail <strong>(Hey Tim!)</strong>, I believe that would only be TRUE if we as dealers only "stick with what we know", meaning, that auto retailers don't advance their leadership and business methods. </p>
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<p>Auto retailing allows any individual to be engaged in one of the most important moments in the lives of their clients...buying a car! You get to hear great stories, share you wisdom, make an impact in your community, be creative, earn a very good income, and build some very good lifelong friendships.</p>
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<p>This sounds like a DYNAMITE career to me!</p>
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<p>~~Can we agree on The Eagles? Tom Petty? Lynyrd Skynyrd? or The Allman Brothers?~~</p> With all due respect Tom, I t…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-10:1970539:Comment:5184182014-02-10T03:52:06.205ZTimothy Martellhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TimothyMartell
<p>With all due respect Tom, I think the "BRILLIANT's" you mention are never going to be attracted to auto-retail. Those that are will either be immediately discouraged by the old boys network, or like me, they'll have a ton of success in a short time and realize very quickly how capped the ceiling is in auto retail for the truly talented and end up in the vendor space like us.</p>
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<p>Why would the next billionaire want to be capped at $300-$500k/year? And don't sell me on becoming a…</p>
<p>With all due respect Tom, I think the "BRILLIANT's" you mention are never going to be attracted to auto-retail. Those that are will either be immediately discouraged by the old boys network, or like me, they'll have a ton of success in a short time and realize very quickly how capped the ceiling is in auto retail for the truly talented and end up in the vendor space like us.</p>
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<p>Why would the next billionaire want to be capped at $300-$500k/year? And don't sell me on becoming a dealer principal, because you need to risk far too much for far too little. And for anyone reading this that doesn't know me, bear in mind that 2014 marks my father's 45th year in a business that I spent 21 years in myself before becoming a vendor.</p> From a Salesperson's standpoi…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-09:1970539:Comment:5183922014-02-09T14:18:06.351ZTom Vannhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomVann
<p>From a Salesperson's standpoint, "Dictator-Style" management CAN work for some. </p>
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<p>It worked for Brian Bennington and it works for Jerry Thibeau. But look, we're a bunch of old dudes who grew up in a generation FAR different than the tow following ours.</p>
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<p><strong>Today's younger generations</strong> perceive themselves to have FAR more choices, FAR more FREEDOM to CHOOSE, and FAR MORE LISTENERS to their messages (Have you seen who's on top of the TOP 100 YouTube…</p>
<p>From a Salesperson's standpoint, "Dictator-Style" management CAN work for some. </p>
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<p>It worked for Brian Bennington and it works for Jerry Thibeau. But look, we're a bunch of old dudes who grew up in a generation FAR different than the tow following ours.</p>
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<p><strong>Today's younger generations</strong> perceive themselves to have FAR more choices, FAR more FREEDOM to CHOOSE, and FAR MORE LISTENERS to their messages (Have you seen who's on top of the TOP 100 YouTube Channels?)! And guess what...they're right!</p>
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<p>Buddy, it was Foghat, Vanilla Ice Cream, Baseball cards, and Speed Racer for me. Other than that we hunted Muskrat, rode 1st Gen Skateboards, and jigsawed wooden guns out of $2 plank wood.</p>
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<p><strong>Not today.</strong> The younger generations became the FASTEST BILLIONAIRES EVER (while riding 2nd &amp; 3rd gen skateboards), and each of 'em knew they could call the cops if the school principal pulled out a big wooden paddle (with holes drilled-in for better aero-dynamics).</p>
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<p>Jerry mentioned the strength of the "Military" when it comes to "Dictator-Style" leadership. Let's face it, the military has a captive audience ...you can't leave without getting thrown in jail!</p>
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<p>The younger generations aren't bad ...just different.</p>
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<p>Our positions as Leaders of Dealerships (and Training Companies or whatever) demands that we TOO understand and grow with our ever-changing culture. If Dictator-style management only works on the Jerry's and Brian's and Tom's, then we <strong>miss out</strong> on the BRILLIANT talents of those with different personality types, different skill sets, and most poignantly, those who have different cultural beliefs and ideas than those from the "older" generations.</p>
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<p>And if we choose NOT to understand and grow in the way we LEAD, COACH, and MENTOR our newer generations of potential employees, we shall wither away like vinyl records, UHF TV, and Jiffy Pop Popcorn.</p> There are various leadership…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-08:1970539:Comment:5182762014-02-08T18:05:56.684ZBig Tom LaPointehttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomLaPointe
<p>There are various leadership styles, as outlined in this Fast Company article -</p>
<p>I believe there is a time and place for all of them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/1838481/6-leadership-styles-and-when-you-should-use-them" target="_blank">http://www.fastcompany.com/1838481/6-leadership-styles-and-when-you-should-use-them</a></p>
<p>But I believe even an authoritarian or even coercive leadership style (which I have used at times) is distinctively different from being a…</p>
<p>There are various leadership styles, as outlined in this Fast Company article -</p>
<p>I believe there is a time and place for all of them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/1838481/6-leadership-styles-and-when-you-should-use-them" target="_blank">http://www.fastcompany.com/1838481/6-leadership-styles-and-when-you-should-use-them</a></p>
<p>But I believe even an authoritarian or even coercive leadership style (which I have used at times) is distinctively different from being a dictator, the origin of which basically means telling someone what to do:</p>
<p><em><span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc onclk" id="hotword">1350–1400;</span></span></span> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">Middle</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword">English</span></span></span> <span id="hotword"> &lt;</span> <span class="rom-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">Latin</span></span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">dictātor,</span></span></span> <span id="hotword"> <span class="hwc" id="hotword">equivalent</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword">to</span></span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">dictā</span></span></span> <span id="hotword">(</span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">re</span></span></span> <span id="hotword">) <span class="hwc" id="hotword">(see dictate</span></span><span id="hotword">) +</span> <span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword">-tor</span> </span></span></em></p> No disrespect intended Jerry,…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-08:1970539:Comment:5180642014-02-08T17:56:49.705ZBig Tom LaPointehttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomLaPointe
<p><a href="http://favimages.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/leadership-quotes-sayings-greatest-leader-famous.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://favimages.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/leadership-quotes-sayings-greatest-leader-famous.jpg"></img></a> No disrespect intended Jerry, but I believe there is an EXTREME difference between a LEADER who trains and develops a successful team, and a DICTATOR who has a strictly "my way or the highway" mentality with no consideration for the welfare of his group. There are entire books on leadership - not a lot on how to be a dictator. Just like there is a…</p>
<p><a href="http://favimages.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/leadership-quotes-sayings-greatest-leader-famous.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://favimages.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/leadership-quotes-sayings-greatest-leader-famous.jpg"/></a>No disrespect intended Jerry, but I believe there is an EXTREME difference between a LEADER who trains and develops a successful team, and a DICTATOR who has a strictly "my way or the highway" mentality with no consideration for the welfare of his group. There are entire books on leadership - not a lot on how to be a dictator. Just like there is a distinct difference between a leader and a MANAGER - lead people and manage processes isn't just a catchphrase.</p>
<p><strong>From Mirriam-Webster -</strong> <br/>LEADER: a person who has commanding authority or influence<br/>DICTATOR: a person who rules a country with total authority and often in a cruel or brutal way</p>
<p>The US presidency is set up as a leadership position who has distinct rules to follow is accountable to the other branches of his government and his populace, while the regime in Cuba is headed by a dictator who is accountable to nobody and follows no rules.</p>
<p>A good leader plots a course of action that takes into consideration the accomplishment of corporate or team goals, as well as the benefits or consequences to his team. In a free-market economy, a leader will develop a strong team that works as a unit for the long term. He tends to be the best salesperson / bullshit spreader of the pack. A dictator blows people out and wonders why turnover is high and nobody gives a crap.</p> Tom, The word leader is used…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-07:1970539:Comment:5181252014-02-07T15:27:51.414ZJerry Thibeauhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/JerryThibeau
<p>Tom, The word leader is used to describe dictator. Dictators also surround themselves with strong people and solicit advice. We're splitting hairs here.</p>
<p>Tom, The word leader is used to describe dictator. Dictators also surround themselves with strong people and solicit advice. We're splitting hairs here.</p> Brian - is your cocktails of…tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2014-02-06:1970539:Comment:5179262014-02-06T23:40:44.836ZBig Tom LaPointehttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/TomLaPointe
<p>Brian - is your cocktails of choice invite open to everyone? LOL</p>
<p>Brian - is your cocktails of choice invite open to everyone? LOL</p>